How would optimal strategies change if players could opt for an automatic standing hand on hard 12 against a 4?

[Huego213]

If players could opt for an automatic standing hand on hard 12 against a 4, the optimal strategy would change in the following ways:

1. New basic strategy: The basic strategy would need to be adjusted to account for the new rule. For example, players may choose to stand on hard 12 against a 4 instead of hitting.

2. New deviations: Advantage players may choose to deviate from the new basic strategy in certain situations. For example, players may choose to hit on a hard 12 against a 4 if the dealer is showing a weak hand.

 

[CR7]

Incorporating the option to automatically stand on hard 12 against a dealer's 4 into the strategy for playing blackjack can significantly alter players' decision-making and optimal play. Below are some considerations for how this new rule might impact gameplay:

1. **Basic Strategy Adjustment**: One of the most fundamental changes that would result from this rule modification is the adaptation of the basic strategy chart. Players and experts would need to revise the chart to reflect the decision to stand on hard 12 against a dealer 4 instead of hitting it. This alteration will influence how players approach this specific scenario in terms of maximizing their expected value and minimizing losses.

2. **Impact on House Edge**: The modification could potentially affect the house edge depending on whether players make correct use of the new standing option. It could slightly decrease the overall edge for the casino if players begin to implement this new strategy effectively, assuming that the change is typically advantageous for the players in the long run.

3. **Player Behavior Shift**: The availability of an automatic standing option on hard 12 against a dealer's 4 may prompt some players to adopt this strategy more frequently, especially those who prefer a more conservative approach. It could lead to a change in player tendencies at the blackjack table, altering the dynamics of the game.

4. **Strategic Variations**: Skilled players, particularly advantage players who count cards or employ more advanced techniques, might explore additional deviations from the standard strategy based on the new standing option. They could potentially leverage this rule change to gain an edge against the casino under specific circumstances, further complicating the decision-making process.

5. **Psychological Impact**: Introducing this standing option may also have psychological implications for players, influencing their perception of risk and reward in certain situations. Players may feel more confident or secure when choosing to stand on hard 12 against a dealer's 4, potentially affecting their overall experience and decision-making process at the table.

Overall, the inclusion of an automatic standing hand on hard 12 against a dealer's 4 would introduce a notable adjustment to traditional blackjack strategy and gameplay, prompting players to rethink their approach and potentially leading to diverse strategic outcomes and player behaviors.

 

[swift]

If players could opt for an automatic standing hand on hard 12 against a dealer's 2 or 3 in blackjack, optimal strategies would change slightly. In the basic strategy, players are advised to hit hard 12 against a dealer's 2 or 3, but if they could opt for an automatic standing hand, they would not need to risk going bust and could wait for the dealer to potentially bust instead.

 

[Lazza]

Players facing a hard 12 against a dealer's 4 would find it easier to make decisions as a result of this modification. Players would no longer have to consider whether to hit or stand in this scenario because they would automatically stand.

 

[swift]

This is because the modification states that the dealer must hit on a soft 17, and since the dealer has a 4 showing, they cannot have a soft hand. Therefore, the dealer must hit until they have a hand valued at 17 or higher. This means that the dealer is likely to bust when they hit, making it more advantageous for the player to stand on their hard 12.